Puppy Teething Phases: What You Need to Know
As a new pet parent, it’s essential to understand the various stages of puppy teething and how to care for your furry friend’s teeth during this process. In this post, we’ll go over the timing of puppy teeth falling out and adult teeth growing in, as well as some tips for keeping your pup’s smile healthy.
When do puppies start teething?
Puppies begin teething around 3 to 4 weeks, usually lasting until they are 7 to 8 months old. During this time, their baby teeth will start to fall out, and their adult teeth will grow in to replace them.
Timing of puppy teeth falling out and adult teeth growing in
At around 3 to 4 months of age, puppies will start to lose their baby incisors, which are the front teeth on the bottom jaw. At 4 to 5 months, they will lose their baby incisors on the top jaw, followed by the baby canine teeth at 5 to 7 months. By 7 to 8 months, a puppy’s baby teeth should have fallen out and been replaced by adult teeth.
Signs that your puppy is teething.
Here are some signs to look out for that indicate your puppy is teething:
Excessive chewing: Puppies may chew on anything they can get their teeth on, including furniture, shoes, and even your hands.
Irritability: Teething can be painful, and puppies may become irritable or whiny during this time.
Drooling: Increased drooling is a common sign of teething.
Red and swollen gums: Teething can cause your puppy’s gums to become red and swollen.
Signs of bleeding: You may see traces of blood on your puppy’s toys or anything they put in their mouths.
This is entirely normal and will clear up on its own. Bring your puppy to the vet immediately if you see excessive bleeding from your mouth.
What happens to puppy baby teeth?
Puppy baby teeth will eventually fall out on their own. You may find the tiny teeth around your home, or you might not see them because they have been swept or vacuumed up. It is also natural for your puppy to swallow their baby teeth. This is a natural process and not something to worry about. In rare cases, a baby tooth may not fall out, and the adult tooth may grow alongside it. In these cases, your veterinarian may need to remove the baby tooth to make room for the adult tooth.
How to care for puppy teeth.
Here are some tips for keeping your puppy’s teeth healthy during the teething process:
Provide chew toys: Chewing helps relieve teething pain and can also help clean your pup’s teeth. Offer a variety of chew toys, including hard rubber toys, bones, and rope toys.
Brush their teeth: Start brushing your puppy’s teeth regularly as soon as they are comfortable. Not only will this help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup, but it will also get your puppy used to having their teeth brushed. Ensure you use dog-specific toothpaste, as human toothpaste can contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
Feed a balanced diet: A balanced diet with the proper nutrients will help keep your pup’s teeth and gums healthy.
Regular dental check-ups: Routine dental check-ups with a veterinarian are essential to monitoring the growth of your puppy’s teeth and ensuring they are healthy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, puppy teething can be confusing and painful, but with the proper care, you can help your pup through it easily. From providing chew toys and brushing their teeth to feeding a balanced diet and regular dental check-ups, you can keep your pup’s smile healthy and strong for years to come. Don’t worry about the baby teeth, as they will eventually fall out and be swallowed naturally.
